Paul W. Tidwell

Paul William Tidwell was born in Baytown, Texas October 20, 1942 to the late J.D. Tidwell and Marcella (Adkins) Turner. He is survived by his children Paul Wesley and Matthew Jordan, sons of Jann Stewart. Paul was one of the kindest and most giving person anyone could ever have been blessed to know. Helping others was foremost in his heart. He was a humble man, but he had the heart of a warrior. Paul loved his sons and grandchildren beyond measure. Paul attended North Junior High and Abilene High School in Abilene, Texas. These were the years that were the most memorable and fun years of his life. He played football at North Junior High and was on the mighty and great Abilene Eagles High School football team under the coaching of Chuck Moser. Paul's most enjoyable sports were baseball and football. He excelled in both. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1961 and continued to receive a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology / Sociology from Hardin Simmons University in 1966. He was in the R.O.T.C. while attending the University. Upon graduation he had achieved the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and entered the U.S. Army-Infantry in September 25, 1966. Paul was assigned to the 7th Calvary Division and was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant during his service. He served his country with honor and distinction. Paul was a true war hero in the truest sense. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Air Combat Medal, 2 Purple Hearts with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnamese Citation for Bravery, and a Presidential Unit Citation. He was discharged June 26, 1968. Paul instantly set out on creating his career path. He was a Store Manager of a Palais Royal store in Houston. While working in the wholesale children's clothing industry he was awarded three times monthly top producer and was recognized as a Million Dollar shipped Regular Priced Goods producer. His career then went into the outside sales in wholesale gift industry for Russ Berrie. He held positions of Director of Regional Accounts, Regional Sales Manager, Salesman. He was awarded Salesman of the Month, Salesman of the Year and numerous personal Shipping Awards. He continued his sales career and a territory sales manager representative in the wholesale clothing business with College House. For nine years he entered into a partnership of a small chain of mail room operations with his then wife, Jann (Tidwell) Stewart. Paul was a life-long learner. In his late 60's, he attended Kingwood Community College and received his Teaching Certification for Special Education K- 12 and general education K1-E6. Paul is survived by: Son, Paul Wesley Tidwell and his wife Tanyanika, and three grandchildren, Michael, Rose and Cooper of Atascocita, Texas. Son, Jordan Matthew Tidwell of Waco. Sister, Dina Morton and husband Patrick Morton of Lavon, nephews, David Morton and wife Jan Morton of Wylie, Texas, Daniel Morton and wife Karley Morton of Wylie, Texas, and Michael Morton and his wife Sheri of Stratford, New Jersey; Sister, Margaret Tidwell of Madera, California; and niece, Anita Martin of Fresno, California and nephew, William Miller of Lexington, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. Tidwell and Marcella Turner, grandson, River Dixon Sutter. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, January 12, 2018, at Houston National VA Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77038.